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Abscesses and swollen jaw
Abscesses and swollen jaw
Abscess refers to a situation when the jaw gets swollen. It can happen as a result of various underlying problems, such as cavities, infected root canals, diseased gums, or even a broken jaw. In most cases, a dental abscess occurs due to an infection in the center of the tooth. In another way, we can say that a pocket of pus has formed at the tooth root of the jawbone. The treatment of dental abscesses is very important and should be done as soon as possible before the infection spreads further.
Symptoms of dental abscess:
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Stiff neck or a headache
- Trouble in breathing or swallowing
- Fainting and weakness
- Abnormal drowsiness
- Spread of swelling to the upper half of the neck or face
Diagnosis:
To diagnose the abscess, the dentist may use these methods to find out the problem.
Recommend X-RAY:
To help to identify an abscess, X-ray is a common method used by dentists. This method also allows the dentist to understand the amount of infection and how much it has spread. It can also help identify the cause of the abscess.
Tapping on teeth:
A fundamental method of diagnosing an abscess is tapping on the teeth as if a patient has an abscess, and the tooth will be sensitive to pressure and touch.
CT scan:
This method is used mainly to see the extension of the infection.
The link between a swollen jaw and teeth.
Swollen Jaw from Tooth Infection: When a tooth gets infected, the surrounding tissues often become inflamed. The infection can quickly spread, leading to a painful swelling in the jaw area. Gum diseases, cavities that reach deep into the pulp, or impacted wisdom teeth can all result in infections that cause the jaw to swell.
Tooth Abscess: As mentioned earlier, a tooth abscess can significantly contribute to a swollen jaw. When left untreated, the abscess can burst and spread the infection further, exacerbating the swelling.
Gum Diseases: Conditions like periodontitis or gingivitis often manifest symptoms in the gums. The inflammation and swelling from such conditions can radiate to the jaw, making it swell.
What causes a swollen jaw?
Infections: Infections are one of the most prevalent causes of jaw swelling. Whether it’s a skin infection on the face or inside the mouth, the swelling can easily affect the jaw region.
Trauma or Injury: Accidents or any form of trauma to the face can lead to a swollen jaw. This could be due to a direct blow or even an accident that indirectly impacts the jaw.
Tooth Abscess: This is a severe, painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. A tooth abscess can cause the surrounding jaw area to swell.
Glandular Issues: Problems with the salivary glands can lead to jaw swelling. Blockage or infections in these glands are often the culprit.
Tumors or Growth: Though less common, tumors or cysts in the jaw can lead to swelling.
Patient-Centric Approach
What sets the Emergency Dentist of Houston service at Walk In Dental Clinic of Katy apart is their unwavering commitment to patient care. They understand the distress and anxiety dental emergencies can cause. As such, every patient is greeted with compassion, understanding, and the assurance that they’re in capable hands.
Dental emergencies wait for no one. Whether it’s a sudden swollen jaw or another urgent dental issue, Houstonians can rest easy knowing that rapid, reliable, and expert care is just a short drive away at the Walk In Dental Clinic of Katy. With their ‘Emergency Dentist of Houston’ service, they’re not just healing mouths, but also providing peace of mind in times of distress. If you’re in the Greater Houston area and face a dental emergency, remember there’s a dedicated team ready to assist at a moment’s notice.